Nolo's Plain-English Law Dictionary

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Adoptive Parent

A person who completes all the requirements to legally adopt a child who is not his or her biological child. Generally, any single or married adult whom the court determines to be a "fit parent" may adopt a child. Some states have special requirements, such as requiring the adoptive parent to be at least a specified number of years older than the child, and requiring the parent to have resided in the county for a minimum amount of time. An adoptive parent has all the responsibilities of a biological parent.